Sights to See in Seoul

As the capital of South Korea, Seoul is known for its ancient palaces, shopping centers, K-pop music, and delicious food. It also has a fantastic public transportation system. With so many attractions to visit, you may not have time to see it all during your trip. Make the most of your time by following this itinerary — it includes all the places you shouldn’t miss.

Morning: Take in the Culture

Start your day by visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Of the Five Grand Palaces in the city, you need to at least visit this one. It was the first royal palace built during the Joseon Dynasty. Existing since 1395, it is more than 600 years old. Try to get there in time to watch the changing of the royal guards, and check out the National Palace Museum of Korea housed inside. To get there by subway, take the Line 3 and get out at Gyeongbokgung Palace Station.

N Seoul Tower.

Afterwards, check out the Seoul City Wall. It was originally built for defense, but it now has six hiking trails that run along the ridge of Seoul’s four inner mountains: Bugaksan, Inwangsan, Naksan, and Namsan. Walking along the wall provides a spectacular view of the city. The nearest entrance is Changuimun Gate, which you can access by walking or taking the bus.

Noon: Sit Down for Lunch

You’ll likely be hungry by the time you’ve finished your hike. There are plenty of restaurants near all the trails’ exits. If you took the shorter route and got out at Sukjeongmun Gate, consider eating at Samcheonggak Dawon. This hilltop restaurant has beautiful gardens and a terrace, giving it top points for atmosphere. It serves traditional Korean teas and wines along with food like bulgogi. Find it at 3, Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu.

Afternoon: Indulge Yourself

If you’re a fan of K-pop or MBC drama programs, this is your chance to visit MBC World. This theme park for Hallyu tourists provides experiences like holographic dance performances with your favorite K-pop stars. There’s also a chance you’ll run into celebrities; MBC World is inside the Digital Media City Station, which is where the producers film programs like “Infinite Challenge.” Available spots are limited, so make sure to sign up in advance.

Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul.

Is Korean pop culture not really your thing? Use the afternoon to shop instead. Myeong-dong is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city — more than 1 million shoppers go there every day. You can browse the street stalls, visit department stores like Shinsegae, and check out the latest fashion in high-end shops like Louis Vuitton. If you don’t know where to start, stop by the tourism information center. A local guide can help you find what you’re looking for.

Evening: Have Dinner and Relax

Rest your feet and fill your belly with local Korean cuisine. If you’re in the mood for barbecue, On the Grill is one of the best restaurants to try. The friendly staff serves up all the Asian fusion food you could want. Try the pork belly with honey and garlic sauce or the fish roe fried rice. You’ll find this restaurant at 21, Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung-gu.

In the mood for seafood? Korea has plenty of delicious seafood restaurants, but if you can’t decide on a place, try Pro Ganjang Gejang Sinsa. It’s the place to go if you’ve never tried raw crab. Not ready to try that dish? Deep-fried soft shell crabs are also available. Other popular dishes include seaweed soup and steamed eggs. This eatery is located at 21-1 Jamwon-dong, Seocho-gu.

Olympic Park in Seoul.

Late Night: Grab Some Drinks

Whether you want a casual venue or something crazier, Seoul has something for you. The most foreign-friendly area is Itaewon District. Here you’ll find streets lined with pubs, bars, lounges, and clubs. Grab a pint of Guinness or Kilkenny beer and play darts at Dillingers. Want to go somewhere quiet? Glam Lounge serves specialty cocktails and offers a classy atmosphere.

Party animals can check out the popular clubs in Itaewon like Soap, B One, and Cake Shop. The biggest and loudest clubs, however, are over in Gangnam. Stop by Club Mass or Club Octagon if you want to party until the sun comes up.

Seoul has enough events and attractions to keep any tourist busy for weeks. If you’re pressed for time, however, following this itinerary lets you absorb as much Korean culture as possible. Get the best trip to Seoul by planning and booking with GoDoTrip. You’ll not only get fantastic rates on hotels and flights, but also get information about attractions, tours, and more.

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